Random thought, Median household income is $78,921, which feels about average for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
7 Replies
Jack K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Portland about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Brielle Flores
I've lived in East for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The outdoor recreation scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Matthew Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Eli Alvarez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Hudson Jones
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Quinn Williams
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much pricey but now it's improving.
3 upvotes
Nova Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from LA about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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